1 Corinthians 5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This week, in 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, Paul turns from confronting the divisions in the church to confronting their shocking tolerance of sin. He calls the church to lovingly confront sin among believers while loving those outside the church, remembering that Christ has cleansed us and made us his holy people.
The Corinthians are proud of how open and tolerant they are, and Paul is shocked by the sin they accept as normal. What should have been their response (5:2)?
What are some reasons churches don’t practice church discipline?
Paul calls the church to confront and remove sin rather than accept or ignore it (5:2–8). Why is confronting sin an expression of love? What makes us hesitant to lovingly confront another believer?
Paul warns that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (5:6). Why is it dangerous to tolerate or minimize sin—in our own lives or in the church?
Paul uses the strong language of delivering this man to Satan in verse 5. Yet what was the ultimate goal of removing him from the church (v. 5b)? What does this teach us about the purpose and value of church discipline?
How does the gospel of Jesus equip us to confront sin in another believer with both seriousness and humility (cf. 1 Cor 5:7-8 and 6:11)?
Paul calls the Corinthians to deal seriously with sin because Christ has already been sacrificed and has already cleansed them (vv. 7–8). How should our identity in Christ shape the way we deal with sin personally and with others?
In verses 9–13, what distinction does Paul make between our relationship to unbelievers and with those who profess to follow Christ? Why is that distinction important?
What responsibility do we have for one another’s holiness? What might that look like in ordinary Christian relationships?
What would it look like for us to become a community that helps one another pursue holiness—where sin can be confessed, confronted, forgiven, and put to death?
